Commonwealth, state, and territory ministers with responsibility for fisheries met virtually on Friday 4 September 2026, for the eighth Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting.
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins, chaired the meeting.
Ministers acknowledged the importance of the fishing and seafood sector to the economy and Australian Community, particularly in regional areas.
Middle East impacts discussion
Ministers acknowledged the implications of rising fuel costs associated with the Middle East regional conflict and the flow-on effects on commercial fishing and aquaculture, transport and processing. Ministers agreed to continue monitoring impacts and sharing information through officials, noting the importance of fuel security for aquaculture (to provide for animal welfare) and fishing.
Outcomes of the industry-led Futures of Seafood project
Ministers received an update from Dr John Ackerman, CEO Seafood Industry Australia, on the work and findings from the Futures of Seafood project.
Preparedness for climate driven change in fisheries
Ministers received a presentation from Dr Beth Fulton, CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist, on climate change modelling and predicted impacts on fish stocks undertaken as part of the Futures of Seafood project.
The Australian Fisheries Management Forum strategic priorities
Ministers agreed that the strategic priorities outlined in the Australian Fisheries Management Forum’s draft Statement of Intent aligned with issues and opportunities faced by the seafood industry, and tasked officials to finalise the Statement on that basis.
The success of fish stocking programs in Victoria
Ministers noted and commended the work undertaken by the Victorian Fisheries Authority in increasing its capacity to breed native fishes for recreational and conservation purposes.
The review of the National Aquaculture Strategy
Ministers noted an update on the progress of the review of the National Aquaculture Strategy and requested the Australian Fisheries Management Forum to continue to provide oversight of the review which is being undertaken by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum Aquaculture sub-committee.
Ministers also discussed:
- the interest in the National Environmental Science Program research project ‘Updating knowledge of Australian white sharks’ and noted expected timeframes for the delivery of the project next year
- the continuing impacts that the long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) is having on reefs and fisheries in Tasmania and the south-east
- that research to inform regulatory assessments for the use of the carp virus as a biological control agent is underway, for consideration by Agriculture Ministers. Ministers recognised the importance of this work, and being prepared for implementation if Agriculture Ministers authorise the use of the virus.
Ministerial attendees
- Australian Government (Chair): the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Queensland: the Hon Anthony Perrett MP, Minister for Primary Industries
- Western Australia: the Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Fisheries; Forestry; Small Business; Mid West
- South Australia: the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development; Minister for Forest Industries
- Tasmania: the Hon Gavin Pearce MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Water; Minister for Veterans' Affairs
- New South Wales: Ms Tara Black, Deputy Secretary, Fisheries and Forestry, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, acted as proxy for the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Regional New South Wales; Western New South Wales
- Victoria: Mr Travis Dowling, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Fisheries Authority, acted as proxy for the Victorian Minister with responsibilities for Fisheries
- Northern Territory: Ms Amelia Vellar, Chief Executive Officer, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, acted as proxy for the Hon Gerard Maley, Deputy Chief Minister; Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries; Mining and Energy; Corrections; Renewables; Recreational Fishing